Names are important to artists and, in some ways, contribute to whether or not they blow. While music artists like Odunsi and Tems use their real names on stage, some others don’t. And that’s fine. However, it’s one thing not to use your name, and it’s another thing to look nothing like your government name. 

If you think I’m playing, check out these 10 alté musicians. 

Stage Name: Cruel Santino

Real Name: Osayaba Andrew Ize-Iyamu 

I honestly thought Cruel Santino would have a more gingered name like Isakaba or something. Mr. Subaru’s real name, Osayaba Andrew, feels like a big scam to me. 

Stage Name: Lady Donli 

Real Name: Zainab Elizabeth Donli 

There’s nothing about this picture that screams, “I share the same name with the immortal Queen of England!” 

Stage Name: Psycho YP 

Real Name: Nicholas Ihua Maduenyi 

I’m supposed to believe this man’s name is Nicholas? Say sike. 

Stage Name: Obongjayar

Real Name: Steven Umoh 

Sir, your real name is not Obongjayar? You don’t mean it. I don’t know how to explain it, but he looks more like an Obongjayar than he does a Steven. 

Stage Name: Wurld 

Real Name: Sadiq Onifade 

Something about a Sadiq singing about mad sex feels off. Why are you even having sex? 

Stage Name: Omah Lay

Real Name: Stanley Omah Didia

Okay, let me not even lie, this guy looks like a Stanley. No wonder babes keep collecting his necklace pendant. Stanleys are always loverboys, no cap. 

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Stage Name: Wavy the Creator 

Real Name: Jennifer Ejoke 

Jenny baby, is this you? I never experred it. 

Stage Name: Ignis Brothers

Real Names: Edwin Madu and Ruth Zakari

Why does their band name sound like the name of an all-white country band in Nashville, Tennessee? Also, if there’s a sister, why not just call it Ignis Brother and Sister? 

Stage Name: Ajebutter 22

Real Name: Akintoye Balogun 

Akintoye sounds like an uncle’s name and not the name of a guy responsible for a song called Serenre. Then again, only millennials still use that word, so maybe it works? 

Stage Name: Ayra Starr

Real Name: Oyikansola Sarah Aderibigbe 

Ayra Starr may not be the most alté artist on this list, but she sure as hell doesn’t look like a Sarah to me. Not Abraham’s wife being a bloody Samaritan. Love it!

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